Recipe Video

Variations & Substitutions for The Ploughman’s ‘Pie’

nut-free – use ground sunflower seeds or a mix of ground sunflower and flax seeds (linseeds). Or if you don’t mind the carbs soft bread crumbs will be OK. Or you can skip the base and turn it into a frittata instead.

more substantial (carb lovers) – it’s pretty substantial as is. Serve with hot buttered toast. Or use the pie as a sandwich filling.

more substantial (low carb) – make a mustard mayo (equal parts wholegrain mustard and mayonnaise). Or more ham. Or serve with pickles or sauerkraut.

low FODMAP – skip the almond meal and turn it into a frittata.

more vegetables – add in any cooked veg you have. Or halved cherry tomatoes. Especially delicious with grilled pappers or cooked artichokes. Or serve with pickles, sauerkraut or other fermented veg.

different protein – you really need the eggs here but the cheese can be changed as per the variations above. Smoked salmon, salami, cooked bacon, cooked chorizo, prosciutto or hot smoked trout make a lovely alternative to the ham.

Waste Avoidance Strategy

almond meal or almond flour / mustard – keep them in the pantry.

eggs – will keep in the fridge for weeks or use for another meal.

cheese – most hard and melting cheeses will keep for weeks wrapped in waxed paper or baking paper and stored in an airtight container (or sealed ziplock bag) in the fridge. If you need to store for longer cheese can be frozen.

ham – freeze it.

salad leaves – are highly perishable. My first path would be to use them for another meal (salad for breakfast!) but if that isn’t possible you can pop them in the freezer. They will wilt down but can then be used anywhere you’d use wilted greens. At least this way they won’t go slimy.

Prepare Ahead

Yes! Just cook as per the recipe but keep the ham, mustard and salad separately. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 2 weeks. Don’t freeze. Serve chilled or at room temp. I like to dice up leftovers and pan fry them in a little butter to use in salads or on soups.